Among the many criticisms of Gareth Southgate over the years, no one has ever questioned the seriousness with which the England manager takes his job — and here was further evidence to the point.
The delights of a high-octane title thriller might have been on offer at Anfield, but with three months until Euro 2024, Southgate knows by now what he can expect from Kyle Walker, Phil Foden and John Stones.
